Lake Minnewanka Cruise
4.5
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
By Brewster Sightseeing
About
Soak up the majestic views of the Canadian Rockies through panoramic windows during this interpretive cruise. This boat tour of Lake Minnewanka includes Devil’s Gap, nestled in Banff National Park. Nature lovers will enjoy scanning the lakeshore for wildlife while the captain narrates. Hourly departures from Banff suit any sightseeing schedule.
Ages 0-99, max of 40 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Written guide: English
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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Highlights
- Lake Minnewanka cruise offers majestic views from every angle
- Panoramic tour includes folklore and other narration
- Guide points out deer, bald eagles, big-horned sheep, and occasional bears
- Boat dock is just a short drive from the town of Banff
- Boat tour of Lake Minnewanka
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Entry/Admission - Lake Minnewanka
What's not included- Gratuities
- Infant Tickets are free but are required for Attraction
- Complimentary Roam Transit is available from downtown Banff to the meeting point
- Departure details
- Lake Minnewanka, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada Please arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to tour time as parking is limited. Complimentary Roam Transiet buses are also available from Banff which will avoid parking issues at the Lake
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3026P47- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Opening/closing dates are weather dependent
- Most travellers can participate
- Infant tickets are free and are required for the attraction
- Limited parking is available at the lake - please plan on 1 hour early to guarantee parking
- Complimentary Roam Transit is available to Lake Minnewanka to avoid potential issues with parking
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travellers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3026P47
Itinerary
- You'll start atLake MinnewankaImprovement District No. 9, AB T0L, CanadaPlease arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to tour time as parking is limited. Complimentary Roam Transiet buses are also available from Banff which will avoid parking issues at the LakeSee address & details
- 1Lake MinnewankaStop: 60 minutes - Admission includedOur most popular cruise on the lake invites you to discover the story of Minnewanka Landing as you tour the beautiful valley landscape of Canada’s oldest National Park.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
- 542coraliea00A+ Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff with M. RodgersI took a sightseeing tour from Jasper to Banff with M. Rodgers in early October 2023. Matthew was an exceptional driver and guide. He holds a wealth of knowledge on the area. The commentary provided by Matthew while driving was exactly how it should be with a sightseeing tour - pleasant voice to listen to, regular and frequent information shared about what we were driving through/past, tips when/where to take great photos and even helping taking photos at stops. There were frequent stops to stretch legs and see almost everything I had on my list of things to see between Jasper and Banff. I was fortunate to have an excellent group with who we often ran early on the route. Matthew showed us some waypoints that went beyond what is normally possible. Amenities on board: USB and D/C charging, reclining seats, toilet at the back of the bus, trash at the front of the bus. Thank you again, Matthew. I hope to cross paths with you again in the future
- H8029KDjanetc00Mr Rogers is the best tour director/driver!!!We travelled to Jasper in September. It was a perfect weekend for sightseeing. Our tour director/bus driver was Mr Mathew Rogers. He made the trip great. He is knowledgeable and so much fun. We would recommend 100%
- Choochoorose00Awesome tours!I signed up with Brewsters for 5 sightseeing tours: Maligne Lake cruise, Columbia Icefield Adventure, Icefield Skywalk, Mountains, Lakes and waterfalls from Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka cruise. Loved all three tours! I posted reviews with photos of them on their sites except MLW so this is a review of the Mountains Lakes and Waterfalls tour. The bus picked me up from my hotel, Lake Louise Inn. Our first stop was Maligne Lake. It was so beautiful with a perfect reflection and lots of greedy gray jays and Clark’s nutcrackers. Next stop was Lake Louise. The Fairmont was impressive and I purchased unique fridge magnets from a store inside. They were miniature paintings and they were matted. So beautiful! See the photos attached. We stopped across from Spiral tunnels to watch trains going through it. Takakkaw Falls was beautiful. Emerald lake is the only complaint I have. I didn’t understand the tour guide’s instructions and could not find the restaurant where we were supposed to have the buffet. I walked all around and even back to the bus. There were no signs to indicate where we were supposed to go. Finally I asked some people and they showed me the place! Overall the guide was very good and I enjoyed the tour immensely. I’ve also included photos of Maligne Lake
- tele8200All you need in one package!Enjoyed my experience with Brewster Sightseeing. More than I expected. This was my first sightseeing tour and it made me want to do more guided tours. Tour guide/driver (Brewster Brad) was very entertaining and had me feeling like I had done research about Banff when I was done with the tour. I can't say how convenient it was to just sit back and enjoy the ride with an experience guide to give us all the details and advice on how to enjoy the day.
- V1758FKbarbaran00Columbia Icefields, waterfalls, beautiful Banff and Jasper National parks, CanadaThe Brewster touring team of Mateus and Krishna were outstanding. Very knowledgeable and friendly. They were always ready to help and took lots of photos of us when we wanted them. The tour of the Columbia Icefields was the highlight for us. Spectacular views!
- Carmela B00Jasper Experience TourExcellent Tour ride. The tour guides were amusing, knowledgeable, helpful. I really enjoyed the entire time on the bus going from Calgary to Jasper. It was a great tour.
- UncleLino00Banff Holiday 10th Sept 23Met expectations, well informed and knowledgeable guide. Very accommodating and flexible route plan.
- smplwish00Stunning Views & Great GuideWe thoroughly enjoyed our cruise in Oct 2023 with Capt. Aaron and tour guide Dan. The views are stunning and the history Dan shared with us, particularly about Spirit Island, were things we hadn’t heard anywhere else. The drive to Maligne Lake is beautiful and the gift shop and waffle & gelato snack shop were added bonuses while we awaited our scheduled tour.
- revuall00Magical way to see the glaciers up close and walk on oneThe Columbia Icefield Tour is Amazing, To go out in the special ice explorer buses was a great experience. The trip then went to the Skywalk viewing platform which is an amazing structure which makes you feel a little apprehensive at first to walk out on it. Once on the skywalk the extra view and photo opportunities are a great bonus.
- revuall00Great bus company to tour with.We recently went from Jasper to Calgary with Brewster buses including the ice road and trip to the ice fields. The organising was great, the guides very informative and the scenery and over all experience lacked nothing. The views of the glaciers left a lasting memory and the overall organising second to none.
- ejvarela00Visually stunning!Wonderful cruise up the lake. Visually stunning, the views were simply amazing. Guide Devon was fun, entertaining, and informative. I would highly recommend booking if you have the chance. We were lucky enough to book the final day before closing for the season. Really all the seats on the boat are good for viewing.
- Dublin_IrelandMoc00Wonderful TripEverything was brilliant from experience and knowledge to driver to comfort of bus to the tour itself.
- IR_0500Columbia Icefield DiscoveryDave and Roco were fantastic. Lots of humor during the trip to and back, informative with some personal touches. Columbia Icefield is majestic. Glad to experience it thru Brewster.
- mjguiking00Limited timeWe felt like we’re being rushed each stop. We spent 2hrs picking up people before actually heading to the destination. Will not do this again. We love the bus driver tho! Thank you Mr Dave!
- sheliaantczak00Jasper and Lake MaligneThoroughly enjoyed the tour! Guides were exceptional! Weather was beautiful, everything was perfect!
More to explore in Banff
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
152 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
17
Average
13
Poor
1
Terrible
5
Matt w
Pensacola Beach, FL31 contributions
Lake minnewanka itself is worth the drive because the surrounding mountains are stunning; it’s free to park and easy to hike the area. But I am here to review captain Sean and tour guide Melissa: they rock!!
My wife and I bought the cruise with a package, but I’m glad this was a part of it. Melissa and Sean were so friendly, informative, and engaging. The tour lasts an hour, and I particularly love that once we arrived to the point where we would turn around, they let the boat idle for a few minutes to let everyone soak in the sights and peace.
My wife wholeheartedly agrees that this cruise is worth it for the sights alone, but Melissa and Sean were a wonderful surprise for our experience. They talked of the lake’s history, name, lore, and more. I won’t spoil it, do yourself a favor and take the boat ride tour to see sights you would not otherwise see hiking the shore.
My wife and I bought the cruise with a package, but I’m glad this was a part of it. Melissa and Sean were so friendly, informative, and engaging. The tour lasts an hour, and I particularly love that once we arrived to the point where we would turn around, they let the boat idle for a few minutes to let everyone soak in the sights and peace.
My wife wholeheartedly agrees that this cruise is worth it for the sights alone, but Melissa and Sean were a wonderful surprise for our experience. They talked of the lake’s history, name, lore, and more. I won’t spoil it, do yourself a favor and take the boat ride tour to see sights you would not otherwise see hiking the shore.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ozy55
Edmonton, Canada5 contributions
Aug. 2020
The boat cruise experience became even more fun with Makenzie's storytelling about Lake Minnewanka, the mountains and bear 122 (The Boss). Melissa (the captain) was cheerful and friendly. My kids had a good time talking to both of them. Wonderful experience.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome! Thank you Ozy55 for this wonderful review of our cruise and for calling our Captain's Mackenzie and Melissa. You were lucky to cruise with couple of our finest! I'd say more about how wonderful they both are, but I don't want it to go to their heads ;)
Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Travis Mann
GM, Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written August 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
brbgrg
Edmonton, Canada19 contributions
This is my second time on this cruise, my first experience was definitely excellent but today - July 20 10am it was stressful. Due to covid there are protocols each person must follow like staying in your designated seat yet a woman and her kid moved into the seat behind us. The kid was crawling on the bar on our seat and the mom took off her mask to eat on the boat. That leads me to mandatory masks on the boat whether it be inside or out. My husband and I went outside because the captain - Mackenzie-was not saying anything to the ppl not social distancing. When we went out side others followed and took there masks off outside. It’s not my job to enforce rules. My husband didn’t get to hear the guide because we weren’t willing to compromise our well being. Couldn’t get off that boat fast enough.
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello brbgrg, sorry to hear your experience with us wasn't up to expectation. We have many new protocols in place to ensure the safety of our guests and our team members. As you would have noticed, all guests are screened for symptoms prior to boarding, contact info is gathered for each group in the event Alberta Health Services should need to trace contacts, guests are assigned seats to ensure an empty row of seating between all different groups of people, boats are sanitized pre/post every departure with a fogging machine and lastly guests are required to wear masks.
We're continually working with the team members on how to enforce all these new guidelines and I couldn't be more proud of our teams efforts and our guest feedback to date supports that effort. Clearly we haven't been perfect and we're constantly adjusting our processes to improve. Thank you for your feedback, we'll review this with all our team members today and make changes to our systems.
Regards,
Travis Mann
General Manger
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written July 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
francoisr198
Airdrie9 contributions
Jun. 2020
Lake Minnewanka is definitely stunning with its turquoise waters surrounded by the spectacular Canadian Rockies. We were two families of four doing the one hour cruise on June 29th. The staff (Daniel and Kanji) we very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. We could feel their passion for their jobs. Daniel definitely went above and beyond. As soon as we boarded the ship, we could tell that he had a very dynamic personality and we soon discovered that he was a very well rounded individual. He made this fantastic experience memorable for all of us!!
Written July 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome! Thank you so much for this review francoisr198. I've had the pleasure of working with Dan and Kenji for the past 8 seasons. Two amazing people. Personable, professional and incredibly passionate about our guests. Thrilled that you had a chance to cruise with them.
Thank you again for the feedback, I hope you can join us again at some point in the future.
Regards,
Travis Mann
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written July 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
julie b
Harrogate, UK6 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Couples
Our guide Gina and Haden at the helm were excellent. Gina is a great communicator, very knowledgeable, informative and entertaining. She gave us an insight into the history of Lake Mimnewanke and she brought it to life. We enjoyed stunning views and experienced some lovely quiet time in the middle of the Lake. I would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NinjaZhu
14 contributions
Sep. 2020 • Friends
I went on this cruise multiple times in the past 10 years but my recent visit has been my favourite so far! Melissa and Mackenzie were beyond AMAZING. They were super super fun and knowledgeable and the tour was very informative and interactive. Hope to bring my family there next year and go on their tour! They did their best to enforce the rules and crowd control so it felt very safe especially during this time!
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi NinjaZhu, thank you for this wonderful review.
I really appreciate you coming back and cruising with us a few times over the years and I'm thrilled to read you think we're improving. The interpretive team, (lead by Captain Melissa) have been working hard this season to enhance what we offer on the water - and based on all our guest feedback YTD - it's working!
It's also great to read you felt safe with us during these crazy times.
Thank you again for this wonderful review.
Travis Mann
General Manager, Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written October 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tessamel
Surrey, Canada205 contributions
Sep. 2020 • Couples
We went on the cruise today and had a great time. Despite the smoke from forest fires obstructing some of the view in Banff today it was still beautiful. Melissa and Kenji were great guides and very funny. We learned a lot about the history of the lake and took many beautiful pics. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something different to do
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tessamel, thanks for this great review and thank you for taking our cruise. Great to read that you had a great time despite the smoke in the area. Thank you as well for calling out Captain's Melissa and Kenji. I'll skip past your comment about them being funny or it will go right to their heads!
We're thrilled you came to visit and that you learned a few things and enjoyed yourselves along the way.
Hope to see you again in the future.
Travis Mann
GM - Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ros J
Ilkley, UK1 contribution
Jun. 2023 • Family
Leon, the tour guide, was really engaging and informative - it was so easy to absorb the information put across, from start to finish - and the trip exceeded our expectations. Delaney was very proficient in handling the boat. All in all, we'd definitely recommend!
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne S
2 contributions
Aug. 2020
We took the cruise on .august 5, a beautiful sunny warm day. Being on the lame was so calming and serene. The guide imparted so much interesting information regarding the history of the lake....e wish the cruise was longer!
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a great review! Thank you for sharing and for taking our cruise. So great reading you enjoyed yourselves and wished the cruise was longer!
All the best,
Travis Mann
GM, Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written August 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ivy rama
2 contributions
Jun. 2021 • Family
Been in Canada for about 8 years in October of this year and been always love to travel around Banff / Canmore BUT this is my first time to cruise around Lake Minnewanka. The cruise was really informative and the guides were so accommodating and very nice.
We had Melissa and Mackenzie and dont know the name of the 3rd girl (left side of the photo) that were very approachable and friendly to all the travellers —-would love to go have a tour again with them !
We had Melissa and Mackenzie and dont know the name of the 3rd girl (left side of the photo) that were very approachable and friendly to all the travellers —-would love to go have a tour again with them !
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you sylvialislr for this wonderful review. Great to read you finally made it to Lake Minnewanka. We appreciate the shout out to Mackenzie and Melissa. In the photo is Lauren and Ashley. You definitely had the "A Team"
Hope to see you again, don't wait 8 years though!
Travis Mann
General Manager, Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written June 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tana F
Banff, Canada8 contributions
I’m looking to book a fishing cruise for October 23rd 2019. I do not see the availability. Please let me know how I can go about getting this booked with you. Thank you!
Betty B
Waynesville, NC5 contributions
This is not a fishing cruise. Contact Canadian National park service for information about best fishing available.
Susan R
8 contributions
How far is the lake from Canmore?
globetrotteuse77
Paris, France249 contributions
Hi
It’s 30minutes
Hi, we (8 adults) would be reaching Canmore on 7th Oct 2019 afternoon..Which means that we would like to be on the Lake Minnewanka cruise on 8th Oct 2019. Please let us know whether the Cruise would be available on that day
Pudge56
Arizona112 contributions
You just make it on the 8th! Looks like the last day of the cruise is Oct. 9th (I read it from the info. above about the cruise)……..
"September 19 - October 9:
10am - 5pm, Departs Hourly"
Sharon M
St. Albans, UK14 contributions
Can I turn up without pre booking?
yes you can, in high season you might have to wait a few tour to have a place in.
Jennifer S
Detroit, MI26 contributions
Are there restrooms on board?
car0linafamily
Charlotte, NC69 contributions
No restroom on the boat but there are washrooms near the parking lot.